President issues essential service order for electricity, health sector re-issued

• Parliament approval required for gazette within 14 days of declaration

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday re-issued the essential services order for the electricity and public health sector ahead of its presentation to Parliament this week.

In a Gazette notification issued on the order of the President under the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979, the supply of electricity and all service, work or labour, of any description whatsoever, necessary or required to be done in connection with the maintenance and the reception, care feeding, and treatment of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries, and other similar institutions were declared essential services.

The notification covering the two sectors was first issued on 11 February but was re-issued yesterday as the Order has to be placed before Parliament within ten days of the declaration of an essential service. 

Parliamentary approval is needed within 14 days of the order being made and if not, it will lapse.